*We have both Temporary and Permanent Deputy Manager positions available*
About the Role
Gravity Red Inspires is seeking an experienced, committed and child-focused Deputy Manager to support the leadership of one of our Ofsted-registered children’s homes.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Registered Manager to provide strong day-to-day leadership, maintain high standards of care and ensure that children receive safe, consistent and nurturing support. You will help lead the staff team, oversee safeguarding practice, monitor the quality of recording and ensure that the home operates in accordance with its Statement of Purpose, relevant legislation and Ofsted requirements.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You will be expected to provide direction to staff, challenge poor practice, make sound safeguarding decisions and remain calm and organised during complex or high-pressure situations.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Support the Registered Manager with the effective day-to-day operation of the home.
- Provide visible leadership, guidance and support to the residential care team.
- Promote a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment for children and young people.
- Ensure children’s wishes, feelings and individual identities are reflected in their care.
- Safeguard children and respond appropriately to concerns, allegations, missing-from-home incidents and significant events.
- Lead shifts and provide clear direction during incidents, emergencies and periods of increased risk.
- Support the completion and review of care plans, risk assessments, behaviour support plans and placement plans.
- Monitor daily records, incident reports, key-work sessions, medication records and other children’s documentation.
- Complete management oversight of incidents and identify actions, learning and patterns.
- Support staff supervision, induction, probation reviews, performance management and professional development.
- Promote reflective practice and ensure staff receive appropriate debriefing and support following significant incidents.
- Maintain safe staffing levels and assist with rotas, shift cover and the deployment of staff.
- Work effectively with social workers, families, education providers, health professionals and other agencies.
- Attend and contribute to reviews, planning meetings and professional meetings.
- Monitor the home’s environment, health and safety arrangements and regulatory compliance.
- Support internal audits, Regulation 44 visits, Regulation 45 reviews and Ofsted inspections.
- Deputise for the Registered Manager when required.
- Participate in the home’s on-call arrangements.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A relevant Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, Children and Young People’s Workforce, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- Experience working within a residential children’s home or a closely related childcare setting.
- Experience leading shifts or providing supervision and guidance to staff.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and professional boundaries.
- Knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and regulatory expectations.
- The ability to produce clear, accurate and professional written records.
- Confidence in managing challenging situations, safeguarding concerns and complex behaviour.
- Strong communication, organisation and decision-making skills.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, where required by the role.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-in shifts.
Desirable Requirements
It would be beneficial to have:
- A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or a willingness to work towards it.
- Previous experience as a Deputy Manager, Team Leader or Senior Residential Childcare Worker.
- Experience supporting children with complex needs, trauma, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism or learning disabilities.
- Experience of quality assurance, staff supervision, audits and regulatory inspections.
- Training in physical intervention, medication administration, first aid or therapeutic approaches.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:
- Child-centred and committed to improving children’s lives.
- Calm, resilient and able to make safe decisions under pressure.
- Honest, accountable and professionally curious.
- Able to challenge poor practice respectfully and confidently.
- Organised and capable of managing competing priorities.
- Supportive of staff while maintaining clear expectations and boundaries.
- Reflective and willing to learn from feedback and incidents.
- Consistent, dependable and able to lead by example.
What We Offer
- A supportive and ambitious leadership team.
- Relevant training and professional development.
- Opportunities for career progression.
- Regular supervision and reflective support.
- A workplace culture focused on safeguarding, quality and positive outcomes for children.
- 210 hours annual leave per year
Safeguarding Statement
Gravity Red Inspires is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, identity checks, employment history checks, satisfactory references and verification of relevant qualifications.
Applicants must disclose any information relevant to their suitability to work with children. Any gaps in employment history will be explored as part of the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a supporting statement explaining your experience, leadership skills and suitability for the role.
For further information, please contact: [email protected]
Pay: £15.80 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Education:
- Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
- Senior care: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
